Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a powerful analytical tool renowned for its rapid, non-invasive, and highly sensitive detection capabilities. The technique’s sensitivity is significantly augmented under electronic resonance conditions, leading to Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (SERRS). A key innovation in this field is the development of flexible SERS substrates, which are ideally suited for in-situ analysis across diverse fields.

This presentation will showcase the latest advances in the fabrication and application of these flexible SERS substrates. Their principal advantage lies in a straightforward “stamping” sampling protocol, where the substrate is applied directly to the surface of interest. This method effectively eliminates potential sample interferences, preserves delicate samples from laser-induced damage, and enables the analysis of materials that cannot be transported to a laboratory.

Compelling case studies are presented that demonstrate the versatility of this approach in food safety, with the detection of agrochemical residues on fruit and vegetable peels achieving detection limits far below permitted thresholds (1,2); in forensic science, through the identification of cocaine on complex matrices such as banknotes (3); and in cultural heritage, via the minimally invasive study of priceless historical objects such as the first Argentine flags and artworks (4). Beyond the advantage of conforming to the sample’s surface due to its flexibility, it has also been demonstrated that the substrates are capable of encapsulating and retaining the analyte, allowing to conserve the trapped molecules and its long-term SERS activity. The results underscore that these flexible SERS substrates represent a robust, versatile, and highly effective platform for rapid in-situ analysis, with profound implications for public health, forensic science, and the study of cultural heritage.

References

1. Picone, A.L., Rizzato, M.L., Lusi, A.R., Romano, R.M. Stamplike flexible SERS substrate for in-situ rapid detection of thiram residues in fruits and vegetables. Food Chemistry, 2022, 373, 131570.

2. Rizzato, M.L., Picone, A.L., Romano, R.M. A facile method for in-situ detection of thiabendazole residues in fruit and vegetable peels using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Talanta Open, 2023, 7, 100223.

3. Picone, A.L., Della Védova, C., Romano, R.M. Study on the detection of cocaine in Argentinian banknotes by SERS. Vibrational Spectroscopy, 2020, 110, 103136.

4. Romano, R.M., Picone, A.L., Valdivia Lozada, E.M., Della Védova, C.O. Did the first two Argentine flags of Macha and Ayohuma wave together? Journal of Molecular Structure, 2024, 1307, 137942.